RSO: Richie Sambora and Orianthi, Bernie Williams, and Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes to Rock the Grand Plaza Stage at The 2017 NAMM Show

Carlsbad, CA

January 3, 2017

The 2017 NAMM Show is just around the corner, and with it, top musical acts are scheduled to rock The NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza stage. This year will bring a variety of artists from across the sonic spectrum, with each evening offering performances from rock legends, a pro-athlete and accomplished jazz musician, and an R&B hitmaker, all in the spirit of musical diversity that can be found at The NAMM Show.

Kicking off the show on Thursday night, January 19 is rock duo RSO: Richie Sambora and Orianthi. Each a respected guitarist in their own right, Sambora and Orianthi will bring their deft fret work and monster screams to the show, marking the duo’s first NAMM performance together. Grammy® award-winner Sambora, also known for his passion for philanthropy, will offer up his world-renowned Songwriters Hall of Fame talent, addictive hooks and poetic lyrics. Platinum-selling guitarist Orianthi has enjoyed a career as a touring artist for the likes of Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper and many others, and was named by Elle magazine as one of the top “12 Greatest Female Electric Guitarists.” The pair have spent the past year touring the globe and will perform at The NAMM Show directly following a tour of the U.K., Asia and Orianthi’s native Australia.

On Friday evening, January 20, former center fielder for the New York Yankees, music education advocate and accomplished jazz musician Bernie Williams and his All-Star Band will take the stage to perform in The NAMM Foundation’s Celebration for Music Education. Williams, who enjoyed a 16-year career in Major League Baseball, is a classically-trained guitarist, Latin Grammy®-nominated (2009’s Moving Forward) musician, and designated Turnaround Arts artist a program from the President’s Committee on Arts and Humanities. Williams and band will welcome fellow music and arts supporter, Turnaround Arts artist, singer, songwriter, and “Life is Beautiful” hitmaker, Keb’ Mo’, along with additional surprise performers throughout the evening. The NAMM Foundation’s Celebration for Music Education is designated to celebrate the many donors and supporters of the Foundation’s efforts and to encourage attendees to join in the organization’s efforts.

On Saturday, January 21, The John Lennon Educational Tour Bus celebrates its 20th Anniversary with The John Lennon Imagine Party featuring Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes. As the “Original Bad Girl of Rock & Roll,” Spector is best known for a long string of classic “girl group” rock anthems such as “Baby I Love You,” “Walking in The Rain,” and the international number one smash, “Be My Baby.” The rock icon has charted material in six consecutive decades, and along the way collaborated with everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Bruce Springsteen, to Eddie Money, Joey Ramone and The Beatles. Ronnie and John Lennon first met in London during the Ronettes’ first U.K. tour in January of 1964, and in 1966, the group was personally chosen by The Beatles to open their final tour. From their first meeting forward, Lennon and Ronnie shared a close friendship with Lennon playing and singing on Ronnie's first solo recordings in 1971. The night will celebrate the Lennon Bus’ 20th Anniversary, the connection we share through music, and inspire those in attendance to continue to build a more musical world.

Chalise Zolezzi

NAMM

Director of PR and Social Media

Phone: (760) 438-8001

Email: chalisez@namm.org

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,300 members located in 104 countries and regions. NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.